We played to our potential: Ravikant Singh
First Published : 30 Aug 2012, 12:25
Last Modified : 30 Aug 2012, 12:25
Mumbai, Aug 30: A frail frame that belies the menace of a fast bowler, Ravikant Singh was a key performer in India U19’s World Cup win. The Bengal lad, who replaced Mohsin Sayyed in the squad, gave India important breakthroughs throughout the tournament.
Overwhelmed by the festive atmosphere that welcomed the champions in Mumbai, the pacer was visibly happy campaigner as he participated in the celebrations. After the felicitation ceremony, he spoke to bcci.tv about his bowling and winning the ICC Under-19 World Cup.
Excerpts:
What does winning the World Cup mean to you?
Winning a World Cup is a big thing. I am really happy that so many people came out in our support here in Mumbai. I wasn’t expecting such a big crowd. I am feeling very good.
What does it mean to beat Australia in Australia?
It is a big thing because they know their wickets better, but we played with all our might. We played to our potential and won.
Did you face any challenges after being called up to the side just before the tournament?
I didn’t take much time to adjust because our support staff and team members are really good. All of them were very supportive. All I focused on was going out there and bowling my best and giving it my best shot. Whether I get a wicket or not was not on [my] mind.
What did coach Bharat Arun advice you?
Coach told me to bowl at three-quarter length.
What do you focus on – pace or swing? As a pace bowler, how do you work on your fitness?
Pace. And yes, as a pacer I have to work on my fitness. I have been talking to my trainer and we are working on it.
Which player do you look up to in the senior team?
Ishant Sharma
How did the advice from Yuvraj Singh and Sachin Tendulkar help?
Both said if you stay together and play together, then pressure won’t get to you. When we were playing against Pakistan in the quarter-finals or in the finals against Australia [during the high-pressure situations] we [remembered that and] told each other, ‘If we stay together, we can handle the pressure.’
What did it feel like to know that the senior cricketers were watching your team and gave congratulatory messages on TV?
When the legends congratulate you, you feel very good.
You picked some crucial wickets and came back well after being hit. How did you motivate yourself?
I used to not think much. I wouldn’t think about runs conceded or what if I go for a boundary or that I have to ensure I give away as few runs as possible and all that. I used to focus and bowl on my line and length. I don’t have to do anything, if the batsman does something [wrong]; it is his fault.
What will you do with the Rs.20 lakhs prize money?
I will buy a Honda city.
